UK and Australia Forge 50-Year Nuclear Submarine Treaty Amidst AUKUS Developments

The United Kingdom and Australia have formalized a landmark 50-year treaty to facilitate the design and construction of a new class of nuclear-powered submarines, known as SSN-AUKUS. The agreement, dubbed the “Geelong Treaty,” was signed by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and UK Defence Secretary John Healey in Geelong.
This treaty, described by Marles as one of the most significant between the two nations, underpins the cooperation required for the SSN-AUKUS submarine’s design, build, operation, sustainment, and disposal, encompassing workforce, infrastructure, and regulatory systems. The SSN-AUKUS is designed to integrate technology from all three AUKUS nations (Australia, UK, and US). Production for the UK Royal Navy will occur in northern England, while Australia plans to construct its submarines in South Australia, with deliveries to the Australian navy expected in the 2040s.
The treaty, which will be publicly released and tabled in parliament next week, outlines three key areas of cooperation. These include training for Australian submariners and other essential personnel in the UK, fostering the development of infrastructure at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide, and establishing a seamless defence industrial base between the two countries. This will enable Australian companies to supply components for submarine construction in the UK, and vice versa.
Defence Secretary Healey emphasized that the treaty will generate tens of thousands of jobs in both Australia and the UK, strengthen the Indo-Pacific region and NATO, and serve as a cornerstone for the long-term security of both nations. Marles reiterated that the signing of this bilateral treaty, which sits within the broader trilateral AUKUS framework, is clear evidence of the AUKUS program’s timely and successful progression.
Under the existing AUKUS agreement, Australia is committed to investing approximately $4.6 billion to support the British industry in designing and producing nuclear reactors for the future AUKUS-class submarines. A similar investment will be made to the US shipbuilding industry. The overall AUKUS program, valued at $368 billion, also includes Australia’s planned acquisition of at least three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the US starting in the early 2030s.
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy addressed concerns regarding a US review of the AUKUS pact under the Trump administration. Speaking at an event in Sydney, Lammy downplayed suggestions that the UK was stepping in due to waning US interest, asserting that the deal is about creating jobs and securing a long-term partnership. He dismissed worries about the US review, stating that such evaluations are standard for major procurement and defense initiatives and would help clarify any issues. Lammy highlighted the current era of global instability, stressing that investment in defense is an investment in peace by demonstrating capabilities to potential adversaries.